Even though we are a roofing company, we get asked about solar all the time. Many people are looking for alternatives for obtaining electricity. In Arizona, solar is one of the most common alternatives and probably the best alternative, especially since it’s sunny year-round. There are many other alternatives, such as wind turbines, however, these alternatives may lead to a bigger headache with local ordinances, regulations, and codes. When you install solar panels on the roof, the real estate is already there. These days, the installers do all the communication, paperwork, and permitting with the city, making it a win-win. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of putting solar on the roof.
Pros and Cons of Solar Panels on My Roof
Pros of Solar Power
- Saves Money on Electric Bills
Since going solar generates electricity, Arizona homeowners will see a substantial decrease in their electric bills since it’s sunny nearly year-round. - Saves Energy
Having solar is a great way to make your home more self-sufficient. You will use less electricity coming from power companies, and instead, be using more of the electricity your panels are generating from the sun. Not even a power outage will stop your home from having electricity. - Low Maintenance
Solar panels work best when clean, so if you live in an area where it rains you will not have to worry about cleaning them. However, in areas with little rain it is best that you or a professional cleans the panels periodically to remove any dust residue, tree debris and bird poop. - Sell Surplus Solar Energy to Electric Company
More often than not, especially in Arizona, solar panels will produce more electricity than needed. Many electric utility companies and State programs have the option of giving the homeowner credit on your next electric bill. - Government Money
In many cities and states there are tax incentives, grants, and rebates when choosing solar. Both the local and federal governments encourage the use of solar, so have programs to help people afford it. So make sure you check out their websites for these benefits.
Cons of Solar Power
- Costs of Installation
One of the main reasons why people do not have solar is that it can cost quite a bit of money. Solar panels themselves are not cheap and professional installers can be expensive. Many choose to go with a payment plan, so they can afford solar. Don’t forget to check out your local government programs to see if they will help with the cost. - Uninstalling and Re-Installing When Undergoing a Roof Repair or Replacement
We have seen our fair share of solar panel installations on commercial and residential sites. When undergoing a repair or replacement, it is mandatory for the solar panel setup to be disassembled and reassembled. Durafoam does not offer this service, but we do have relationships with local solar companies that can provide this service. - Maximizing Solar Panel Energy Capture & Output
The point of solar is to capture energy from the sun, so if there is no sun, such as at night, there is no energy generated. Solar does work when it is cloudy however with reduced efficiency. Also when installing solar make sure the solar is in the direction with the most sun for max functionality. Most homeowners won’t need to measure this as the solar company will maximize the installation to capture the most sunlight. - Storing Surplus Solar Energy Can Be Costly
When the solar panels are generating more electricity than needed, the electricity can be stored in batteries, so that on cloudy days or at night you can use this energy. The only problem with this is that the batteries are very costly, sometimes making it cheaper to use power from your electric company during these times. If you are using a lot of energy such as running your HVAC system, you may not even need to worry about this problem, since there will likely not be a surplus.
Pros and Cons of Solar Power
For most people, all the benefits of solar outweigh the drawbacks. They like the fact that they are generating their own electricity, thus reducing their reliance on fossil fuels to power their home. Obtaining financing and seeking government benefits is the best way to finance solar if the upfront costs are out of reach. Durafoam is pro-solar and believes that solar power is a great option for those wanting more self-reliance when it comes to electricity.
